Rodgers defends Allen from Shearer blast

By ESPNSTAR.com staff

The former Swansea player has been ever present for Liverpool since signing for them in the summer, often earning praise from Rodgers for being one of the team's better performers in a shocking Premier League run that has seen the club pick up just six points in seven games. 

Unlike Rodgers, Newcastle legend Shearer does not think as highly of Allen's abilities. In a recent Match of the Day program, he criticised the Welsh midfielder for being too cautious in possession and urged him to attempt more attack-minded passes.

Shearer's evaluation has angered Rodgers, who told the Guardian that the former England striker did not understand the importance of Allen's position.

"I saw someone recently criticising Joe Allen for not playing risk passes. Unbelievable. So-called pundits who don't know the dynamics of a team and how it functions," he stated.

"Joe's role is to keep the ball and that, in Britain, is a special talent. It is why Paul Scholes is still playing at his age. It is such a rare talent for a midfielder to rarely give the ball away."

The Liverpool manager went on to reveal that the team needed someone like Allen to occupy a more reserved role in midfield.

"Initially when I came in, we played with one holding midfielder and two advanced ones. I didn't feel that we had the guy that opened the door for everything so I played Joe in there because he knows how to control the game," Rodgers explained.

"He is courageous and will go and get the ball in any area. But our positioning ahead of that wasn't so good, because we were too open. We have switched the team to play with two holding midfielders and one further forward. That has been Steven more or less, because he is the one that can do everything."

Having worked with Allen from their time together at Swansea, Rodgers is confident the 22-year old will be able to contribute more offensively once Lucas Leiva makes his return from injury.

"Joe, offensively, has more than what a lot of people have seen, just because he's had to play more of a sitting role. That comes when Lucas is back. Where we have been really pleased with Joe is with his tactical discipline. Maybe he's never going to score as many as Steven but he's certainly got quality going forward," he insisted.

"But his tactical discipline to stay and keep the shape of the team, and offer the passing line, has been very good. He will have a long career here, he's a wonderful talent and over time people will see what facets he's got in his game. Over time he will prove an absolute bargain."

Liverpool's next Premier League fixture sees them welcome Reading to Anfield in 10 days time.